Matrix retainer



April 13, 1948. B. F. 'vror-'FLEMIRE l 2,439,703 l MATRIX RETAINER Filed June 1a, 194e' s sheets-neet 1 INVENTOR.

BENJAMIN'FZTOFFLEMIRE ATTORNEYS AP' 13, 1948. B. F,l TOFFLEMIRE 2,439,703

MATRIX RETAINER Filed Jungla, 194e `3 sheets-sheet 2 AT TORNEYS April 13, 1948' B. F. TOFFLEMIRE 2,439,703

' MATRIX RETAINER v Filed June 18, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet` 3 AT ORNEYS Patented Apr. 13, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE MATRIX RETAINER Benjamin F. Tomemire, La Fayette, Calif.

Application June 18,1946, Serial No. 677,577

1 10 Claims. An object of my invention is to provide a matrix retainer that is especially adapted to hold an individually formed dental matrix band about a tooth, the matrix being made by the matrix band former and cutter shown in my copending appli-T cation, Serial No. 674,354, filed June 4, 1946. In the copending case I disclose and claim a matrix band former and cutter that will cut a matrix band of the desired length and will diagonally with the diagonal fold to form a conical-shaped matrix that will conform to the tooth contour.

The matrix retainer permits an operator `to easily and quickly adapt the matrix band about the prepared tooth cavity or cavities in such a manner that the natural contours of the tooth will be restored The original tooth form can be preserved and the normal mouth hygiene main `V tained. The matrix retainer may also be quickly, easily and safely removed from the freshly packed restoration without prejudice to the contact pointl or points and without distortion of the marginal ridges.

A further object of my invention is to provide a matrix retainer that is controlled by a single control spindle, the operating end of which extends outside the oral cavity where the operator can have a clear field of vision and can manipulate the device without the necessity of reaching into the mouth to do so. The matrix retainer is simple in construction and can be used on any tooth in the upper or lower arch.

Other objects and advantages will appear in-l the following specification, and the novel'features of the device will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this applicationg encircles a tooth;

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the conical matrix encircling the tooth;

Figure 9 is an isometric View of the conical matrix ready to receive a tooth;

Figure 10 is a plan view of a diagonally folded matrix band from which the conical matrix is formed; i

Figure 11 is an isometric view of a modied form of matrix retainer Figure 12 is an isometric view of a modified form of band-gripping block used in. the matrix retainer of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an isometric View of the matrix retainer frame shown in Figure l1;

- Figure 14 is a top plan view of the modified form; i

Figure 15 is a side elevation of Figure 14; and

Figure 16 is an isometric view of the removable matrix band receiving head that is vused in the modified form.

While I have shown only the preferred form of my invention, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In carrying out my invention, I provide a matrix retainer having a frame Aof the shape shown in Figure 5. The frame has a longitudinally extending guideway I for a clamping block B shown in Figure 6. The side 2 oi the frame has a slot 3 for slidably receiving a pin 4, carried by the block. The frame has a head 5 that has a` diagonally-extending slot 6 that communicates at one end with the guideway I. The other end of the slot 6 communicates with a transversely extending slot 'I which in turn is bisected by a short longitudinally-extending slot 8 that communicated therewith. `The slot 'I intersects the slots 6 and 8 at the juncture of the latter two with each other.

The clamping block B is slidably mounted in the guideway I and the `pin` 4 rides in the slot 3 to prevent the removal of the block from the frame. The block has a diagonally extending slot that extends substantially through the block excepting for a web base portion III, see Figure 6. In Figure 1 it will be apparent that the side II of the block is cut away at I2 to provide the necessary space to receive the two thicknesses of the matrix band material C. The portion of the block B disposed between the slot 9 and the rear wall I3 has a longitudinally extending threaded bore mouth.

3 bore I, and the spindle has a conical end i6 with a surface that parallels the Wall 9a of the slot 9. The spindle may be rotated in the bore I4 to cause the conical head I6 to clamp the ends I1 of the matrix band against the Wall Sa for securing the ends rigidly to the block. A movement of the block along the guideway l Will now move the band ends therewith.

The means for moving the spindle D after it has clampedthe. band' ends llto theblock-,comprises a sleeve E that is shown in elevation in Figure 4. The sleeve has a spindle receiving bore i8, a portion of which is threaded at Him-for receiving the spindle threaded portion-l5. Y The l sleeve has a reduced shank portion I9 rotatably receivable in a bore 2il provided-inthe end 2i of the frame A. An annular shoulder^22erotatably bears against the end Wall 23 of the frame.'l The frame carries a set screw 24 that is slid-ably received in an annular groove 25 formed in the shank l-Qfso as toA prevent the `Withdrawal of the sleeve E While permitting itsrotation inthe fra-me. ,The spindle has a handlezAv that projectsfbeyond the end of thesleevevE. o

`-'Before'describing theeoperation of the tool, it is best to set forthbriey-the form cftthe Ymatrix C that is made from dental matrix bandwith the Y instrument `disclosed and-claimedy in `my copending case above referred to.y "Ihe, folded band isilluse 2 trated in `Figure 10;,-iand itcomprises theiold 2l andthe ends l..V The ends ofwthebandare brought together as in Figure 9 .fandithe-fold 2l causes the matrix C to be conicalsinshape. The matrix enclosesl a--tooth- EinFigure 8-With the band lends i? bei-ngf'shown extending yfrom thev I being the right lower rst/molarfandsituated between -the` second. bicuspid G.; and Atlfnawsecond molar H. The-matrix Cfreceived 'the-.molar F.'

andthe ends Hf extend xfromthelouccal side of the tooth. The endsl have'beenrpreviously-inserted-intothe `slots 'I and 6 ofthe frame A Aand the slot!! of the block B.- The-handle is rotated for causing the spindle conicaleendlftoV clamp4 the ends lT-to-the-block The sleeve E isnow Y rotated for causingthespindle to move` the block along the guideway l`fortightening'theends Ii and pulling the conical matrix Gsnuglyabout the tooth F. The matrix' band material will` slidez through the slots 6 and l'during thismovement. Theslots (i, 'l and 9*.place:nd-limitationnonthe width of the matrix band' materialthat-'canffbe used because the slotsfare entirely-open along one side. Moreover, the retainer-may beyinverted when used if desired. y

, The ,sleeve E and Thandle Zf--projectfbeyond the Y patientsmouthso that'thevoperatontmay-manipulate f' either `Witlflout, putting :histngers into :the

this arrangement tand .lease.ofrmanipulationi is The/fold 2l of the-',Inatrix isplacedaonifthe ,matrixretainer; The filling-28; -isfindicatedz as extending from the niesial aspect of,:,thetooth,

acrossthe occlusal. surface, :and downlalong the `.distal surface.: The conical. shape ofthe'matrix.l

`4F operator to build the lling out as snugly A Clearview of the 'tooth is possible with;

4 assures that the filling will restore the natural contours of the tooth.

There will be no excessive gingival overhanging of metal masses. The matrix retainer may be tightened to insure peripheral adaption and the grip of the matrix at the gingival margin permits thorough and adequate condensation of the lling material Without any of the filling material being forced out beneath the gingival peripheral border. l0 :The matrix band maybe quickly, easily and safely lmremoved Vfromthe freshly packed restoration Without prejudice to the contact point or points and With-out distortion of the marginal ridges for-the;-dislodging breaking oi or the removal of the newly placed filling material.

iv To'iree'the-l matrix retainer from the band, the .Y Thandlelii is..turned while holding the sleeve E from rotating. This backs the conical end I6 aniram the band and the matrix retainer can now be freed from the band by sliding it transversely i with respect tothe band -widthjn apdirection to movethe-bandends out fromthe open sides offthe slots, after Whichthe-band may-be freed from-the i tooth.V The-manipulation of the-handlefzyand thelaoldingvofv the sleeve VF is-accomplished outv sidethe oral-cavity. ,This is ci the=greatestj possible convenience andcomfortto -thee-patient.

The matrix retainerisapplicabletoholdfbands that enclose anyl tooth inthe` arch.` The :band `material may =be1ecei,ved;in eitherfisidet of'fthe slot 'i asshown in Figure lf, or-.theband material maybe received through thev Vend slot 8,- `thisfde- VpendingV upon the posit-ion that best tsthe-need ofthe operator. Y llfheji-ilclined plane of: thegslot 9 .cooperates With-the spindlelD-so that atightening of: the spindle will tend Yto move` the -band :,ends

intothe slot and tovvardfthefbfase',` ll.- .Afloosening ofv thespincllefvvillfltend to.fmove the; banelyfends out ofthe slot. Y,

" -formedmatrix.bandfactuallyeresults in more positive gingiVal-- grip: o ffthe: matrix about the -tooth asthe. iillingmaterial isl condensedintogthe wishesto I condensefthe mung-material against the adjoining'tooth. The-deviceflendsi melf adrnirabl-y tothefrnechanical separation of the ftgth f where this may;befne cessary. H'Iheyrnatri Q0 may be removedfrom thetooth inonefpiec 1 l -the matrix `retainer has been freedtherefromzfln case off nnusuallygtight contactj pointsstheband may be YseveredY at:- th-e fnarrowedlineualfiold and the mesial andgdistal-.yhalvesqgentlyrotateddin- 5 5 smelly` and towardthe:eingvalrflfmri1thereby actually. tendirlsfto Seat hewrlplngfg-more firmly :duringthebandfremova nsteatd ofthe o cp Isal withdrawal plane, necessarilyfemployedgby other retainer preparatory to moving the;.conical-V shapedmatrix Cqover the;=tooth,-it iseas1er to set the band ends .infsidewi-Sie:infstherslots rathcrrthan threadthem;V ough-aslotgv ich is', required by V other-matrix retainers. Theysize of;the; onical matrix C can also he con rolled;-andgthe-oldf .canf be kept--on theglingualg aspect off-: th,

during the adjustment because either; band-end r ilcanbe movedwithfrespectytothe other.

In the modified form of thegmatri ,y etainer `i-shoyvn in Figures li to' 16,-inclusive7 theo .ation of the parts are substantiallygthegsame.asf'thatY shown in Figure 7. :.Ihe device ischangedsl-ightly in the. `,block that clamps the i.matrix...band;ends II5 and the block moving means.. V.yEunthe'rinore,. .the

head for the frame is maderemovable and this 6 the head J and in the block B in the same sidewise movement as accomplished with the form still has the web base Illa and in'place of the pin i 4 the block has opposed parallel iianges 32 project ing from opposite sides of the block and adapted to ride on the top and bottom edges of the frame A'. A cross section through the block might be likened to that of a small I-beam with the flanges 32 constitutingthe top and bottom portions. The block is moved into the guideway la after which the removable head J is secured in place. The head is shown in Figure 16 and takes the place of the integral head 5 in the frame shown in Figure 5. The removable head has a base portion 33 with upwardly extending and parallelly arranged sides 34 that are received within the open end of the guideway la. The sides 34 have threaded openings 35 that register with countersunk openings 36 provided in the free ends of the frame A'. Set screws 31 or `other suitable fastening means are inserted in the openings 36 and are threaded into the openings 35 for securing the head J tothe frame.

The base 33 of the removable head extends below the frame A as shown in Figure and the base supports ngers 38. that are spaced from the sides 34 to provide lateral guide slots 39 and 40 and are spaced from each other` to provide a central guide slot '4 I. The slot 4I communicates with the slots 39 and 40 and also communicates with a slot 42 that is formed between the sides 34. Before describing how the slots are adapted t0 receive the matrix band ends, I will set forth the construction for clamping the band ends to the block B and for moving the block along the guideway la.

The closed end ofthe frame A' has a yoke 43 which is integral with the end and which has its slotted portion spaced from the end and extending parallel therewith. A sleeve E' has an annular groove 44 placed near lone end to form an integral collar45. The collar is received in the space between the yoke 43 and the closed end of the frame A while the two sides 46 of the yoke rotatably receive the grooved portion 44 of the sleeve. It is possible torotate the sleeve with respect to the frame, but the collar 45 prevents longitudinal movement thereof. The -sleeve has a threaded bore Ib for receiving the spindle D'.

The closed end ofthe frame has an opening 41 through which the spindle D extends. The spindle has its threaded portion lia not only received in the threaded bore 18h of the sleeve, but also received in a threaded bore I4a provided in theblock B', see Figure 14. The tapered end 16a. clamps the matrix band ends I 1 against the inclined wall 9c of the slot 9b. i The band ends are clampedto the block B' when the handle 26a of the spindle is rotated for moving the tapered end Ia against the band ends. The two ends of the band can now be `moved by the block B and this is accomplished by rotating the sleeve E' in the desired direction. The spindle slides freely through the opening 41 during this movement.

The band ends l1 can be fed into the slots in shown in Figure 1. The conical-shaped matrix C shown in Figure 14 has its ends l1 passing through the slc'ntii` andthen throughthe slots 42 and 9b. The fold `21 in thematrix band will be on the lingual side of the tooth F. It is possible to have the conical matrix band C extend from the central slot 4l or from either side. slot 39 or 40. i

Since the operation of this form of the device is thesame as that already explained for the form` shown in Figure 1, further description oi the operation need not be given. The slot 9b in the block E has one end centered with respect to the slot 42. The Vslot 42 extends parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame rather than at an angle as does the slot 6 in Figure 1. The two `ends of the band l1 canbe slipped into place in the slots more readily with this arrangement.

I claim: w

1. A matrix band retainer comprising a frame. a matrix band end gripping block slidable along the frame, said frame having a slotted head for permitting the endsof a band forming a conical tooth-receiving matrix to be threaded therethrough to permit the matrix to extend from the `end of the head or from either side thereof,

means for securing the band ends to the block, and means for moving the block along the frame for contracting the matrix about the tooth.

2. A matrix band retainer comprising a frame,`

' through to permit the matrix to extend from the end of the head or from either side thereof,

means for securing the band ends to the block, and means for moving the block along the frame for contracting the matrix about the tooth, said band securing means including a manually actuated screw thatis received in threaded bores provided in the block and in the frame end disposed opposite to the head, the block having a bandend receiving slot with a wall, the end of the screw being received in the threaded block bore and adapted to clamp the band ends against the block slot wall, said block moving means comprising a threaded sleeve mounted on the screw, and means rotatably connecting the sleeve to the frame and preventing longitudinal movement ofthe sleeve with respect to the frame.

3. A matrix band retainer comprising an elongated frame having slots at one end for receiving the ends of a matrix band end gripping block slidable along the frame and having a slot for receiving the band ends, the slots in the frame and block being open along one side for permittin-g the band ends to be fed into the slots and removed therefrom sidewise, band end gripping means carried by the block and projecting through the frame end disposed opposite to the slotted frame end, said means projecting clear 'of the mouth and being manipulated from a point exterior to the mouth, and means cooperating with said last-named means and manipulated band ends will be clamped to the block.

ff 6;.AA In amatrixretainer, aibandfclampingblock Lhayingi-anginc1ined'. slot'therein, opening; out,.onto ione-exposed side Aof .the b1ock,:` saidi b1ookhaving i a threaded; .bore extending .from...one;..e1"1di of the eblock andommunicating with thenslot .substan- ...t:ia11y;midway. between. its sides,...and althreaded .Q1-.shank reoeivedin thezibore andhaving'..an..end ...adapted to o1amp..;the,.band. ends..received. inthe .-.:.S1ot, iagainstionei of the K s1ot.w.a11s,f. Wherebythe.,

band .endswillebe ,clamped to ..the;b1ook, .aifrane A. movingtheshank for.A advancing [the -block in the .desired direction ;a1ong.the.1frame.

f; 'Teiln a.matrixretainer,.fabandaolarnpingabioclf;,;

.Jhavinganfnclined slot ,therein opening .outnnto .-.oneexnosed-side of .th.e.:b1ook,. saidl block .having f .ag .threaded bor.e,.extending inem. one-.endof.; th

. block and .communicating Witnthe; slot substan :.shanli received vinsthei.boreJanoL havingi ian end A f :adapted to. .-.clamp- .the band.;ends;,reoeixled irntne 1 i.s1ot,.i.ag,:\inst1l one f ofic .the ',siot.. walls,evmereb'yA .the .1hand- .ends ewilLbe lclamped .to;the.;.b1ook a. .frame for-z slidably supporting .thegibloeiiy and-lnieans. im

'.-dmovingfthe;shanko'rr advanoi'ngsthe blookilinl the 4:fi,desireddirection .along they lframe;t the framehavinggan" opening iniionefiend ,Ionslidablyand ro- .la-tablyA ,receiving .the.. shank, Said `shank moving means...ino1uding a threadedysleevelmountedgon I,the fshanliiiandhaving onei-.end -rotatab1y..-con neotedtoi .theframe .1 so .thatgthd sleeve ffwilleproject-beyond theLfirarne; the.endeoiti'ieshaninpro .jecting ibeyondptheiiree..endfon theleeve .being Yprovided with -a '.handleaboth the..reeeendy oizthe .1

.i sleeve.4 .and .the.-.hand1.e .be-ingiiaaptd.; tonprgject exterior,v of; the..monthrwhen .the gnatrixf retainer @..clamps afband.` to a. tooth` sothat bothsmay.; be .manuallyV aotuatediat ,pointsg. in fizonti of..i..the eumouth.

,1; 8....In .a...matrix;retainer, a;..frame; .aumatrix f.f..loarici...e11d clamping block. slidably; carried by .the .-Uramei said. frarneihaving .a head at .one .end .with .Y a.centralband-receiving..slot-'extending throughtending. bandereeeiv-ing slots,oommuni'catingwth .f .e the.A first; f slot. .andi extending. to e opposite sidesof dQWSe fintofthei desired .slotsiat the; saine-.tima

;8 @the.ramestheieentralislotbeing adapteditoireceiveethe ibandiends. of; anmatrix forminaiband Whether the bandends are fed ingiromfvether lateral-...slot one-entirely receined in; theleneth 0f .1 5i .the.,c.entra1. slotsand means carriedby .thefplarnping block ygior.;..cl.anr1ping.the .band zend.. .portions V,.ti1at extend beyondV the inner Vendfof.theljce'n'tral .naaien-saidblock being movabl'ejordrawing inthe bandends for tightening '-.lthe matrix. about a ..10.;t,ooth. v

j 9am a matrix.retainer,v a. f.1ame,.a..rnatrixband Ae,ndselampirle block s1idab1y..carried by: thegfr'ame, saidnriameghaying. a. .ne.ad at gone.. .end,.v.vithV a .centraLbandeframe having a .head -.at,.one end V-15.,.v2ith.. a. eentral. .band-receiving. s1ot. .extending throughontthe length.- of .the head and .two 'laterallyeextending. band-.receiving slots .communieating.y .vizith the... rst slot andextending.l to. .oppo- ...site sides. .fof-...the frame,V the; centralv` .slotibeing 20.4 adaptedtd receive the..band.-endsz oi a.;.matrix a `.forming .band -Whether the .band ends. are fed.. in 1 ,from :..eith'er lateral ,slot I or .entirely received. v in .the .length of `the ,central slot, .and .means .carried ....byi i the clamping .blockf forf: clamping.: the. band 25 i endportionsjthat extend beyond. theginnenend .fo; thegoentral. slot, saidizblo'ok: being. movableior @drawing in 4theband ends 'fortightening the matriX;;-.abont. a. tooth,l said.; .band-clamping means :e ineludinglneans .for moving the block along. the .3o fname for loosening .or-. tightening. the Aband l ends. .1510; I,In a. matrix retainer, aditame, axmatrix band end clamping blookzslidably.,carried by.' the iframe, said frame .havingal head at one'. end with 'a loentrai..bandffrarnehaving a head fat.'V one.;end 35.5.-'With al. central .band-receivingI lslot.extending .1. throughout` thej length A o. the' 4head and -twof latefallyeextending.',bandfreceiVingL slots .communiyeating With1the ;rst.i.s1ot and extending .toioppossiteiisidesiofi the ,.frarne, the 4central .slot:.b.eing 40. adaptedlto..receiveltheband,ends of aA matrix f .forzmindbandi-.Whether .the bandends ...ar'ejffed inifrorneither. lateralf slot or. entirely. received. in if. theglength ofthe yCentral islot1 and means. lcarried db'yfthe.4 clamping block, for-1v clamping thelband 45 end portions that extend beyond the innenend ofLthe. central .siot,isai'd block being.: movable .fon drawing inithe .band .ends Lfor,.tighte`ningthe lmatrixabot a tooth, saidband-.ciamping means -including means-for moving. the :block: along .the 59..:fram for loosening. Ontightenin'g theband ends, .both said. band-clamping' means.- and: the..,b1ock moving` means.' extendingbeyond `the;f1:arne1.end .;.l...`disposedoni osite to the. heartland projectingbe- Viyond the .month so Aas to belindependentlyoper- 55.ab1e .from .a1 .point exterio'rff the.. mouth. 'hf-"BENJAMIN:FQTOFFLEMIRE.

@EE-ED Thafpllewing. reieenes. .are Off Xcfdefthe ""9.; .1.11 Qiftiiis( Patenti 

